Biased wall panel for use with a three-sided alcove

ABSTRACT

A unitary wall panel fabricated of relatively rigid, yet limitedly flexible material and being adapted for covering disposition upon perpendicularly related wall support structures. Said panel comprehends a central section and end sections; said latter being inherently urged away from planar perpendicular relationship with said central section but being bendable within zones of flexure into such relationship with stress development so as to urge said end sections into tight abutment with the supporting structure and thereby conduce to stability of the panel in operating condition.

3 nite States i atent 1191 Moore 1 51 Nov. 5, 1974 [5 1 BIASED WALL PANEL FOR USE WITH A 3,609,773 10/1971 Mustel 52 71 x RE I ALCOVE 3,722,151 5/1973 Gardner 52/36 3,740,908 6/1973 Moore 52/35 Inventor: {2 Moore, Louis y, 3,757,358 9/1973 Chisholm et al 52/34 x [73] Assignee: Swan Corporation, St. Louis, Mo. P imal'y ExaminerrJohn Mul'mgh Assistant Examiner-Leslie A. Braun [22] 61 1973 Attorney, Agent, 0! Firm-Ralph w. Kalish [21] Appl. No.: 367,457

[57] ABSTRACT [52] 11.8. Cl 52/222, 4/175, 52/34 A unitary wall panel fabricated of relatively rigid, yet [51] int. Cl. E04c 2/20 limitedly flexible material and being adapted for cov- [58] Field of Search 52/222, 35, 273, 105, 631, ering disposition upon perpendicularly related wall 52/34, 71; 161/38; 4/175, 173, 148 support structures. Said panel comprehends a central section and end sections; said latter being inherently [56] References Cited urged away from planar perpendicular relationship UNITED STATES PATENTS with said central section but being bendable within 3,158,237 11/1964 SCllOOlel' 4/173 x Zones of flexure Such Elationship with 3,312,585 4/1967 Hamme 52/35 x velopment so as urge end Sections fight 3,359,574 12/1967 Stoneburnermt 4 175 abutment with the pp g Structure and thereby 3,479,778 11/1969 Johnson 52/35 conduce to stability of the panel in operating condi- 3,564,788 2/1971 Moore 52/35 X tion. 3,574,869 4/1971 Skyhawk.... 4/148 3,605,352 9/1971 Ruggles et al. 52/35 1 Claim, 8 Drawing Figures sum I 3,845,800 Pmmmm sum w 2 BACKGROUND ANDSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to wall construction and, more particularly, to a unitary panel adapted for disposition upon adjacent walls which are mutually planarwise perpendicular.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a single wall panel encompassing discrete sections with intervening zones of flexure so that the same may be unitarily mounted upon mutually perpendicular wall surfaces, such as, for example, particularly recesses for receiving bathtubs, alcoves, and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wall panel which is unitarily formed, as by molding, and comprising relatively bendable portions which are inherently urged toward substantially unbent condition so that when bent the same will develop a stress conducing to stability in operative position.

It is another object of the present invention to pro vide a wall panel of the character stated which may be most economically manufactured by well known moldingtechniques; which is durable and reliable in operation; which is'of relatively light weight for facility in handling and shipping; and which, when in stored condition, is adapted for nesting with limited space utilization.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a wall panel of the character stated which may be easily mounted into operative state; being directly securable to studding so that costly preparatory efforts are obviated; and the mounting of which may be quickly and reliably effected by the use of mere hand tools.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wall panel of the type stated which is amenable to a multiplicity of ornamental characteristics so as to conduce to the versatility of the same and which, when in mounted state, presents a finished, attractive appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a wall panel constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention, illustrating the same in mounted condition as constituting a bathtub surround.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing, in phantom lines, the wall paneling in normal unmounted condition.

FIG. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. I.

FIG. 5 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 55 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. I.

FIG. 7 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by reference characters to the draw ings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, A indicates generally a wall panel fabricated of a suitable, durable, fundamentally rigid material, such as, fiberglas, but which may be adapted, under certain conditions, to provide limited flexibility as will be more evident hereinbelow. Said panel A unitarily comprehends a relatively enlarged central section 1 and side sections 2,3, there being an intervening zone of flexure 2',3 between said side sections 2,3, respectively, and said central section 1. Panel A is integrally formed preferably as by molding, causing the zones of flexure 2,3 to be formed on a limited are so that in the normal immediate post-molded condition of panel A, the planes of side sections 2,3 will be at a relatively shallow, acute angle with respect to the plane of central section 1 (see FIG. 2). It will be seen that the curvature of zones of flexure 2,3 provide a potential for further or continuing bending by reason of the set accorded the material within such zones during molding. Panel A has top and bottom margins 4,5, respectively, which are preferably parallel and are continuous throughout the entire transverse extent of said panel A, emcompassing central section I and side sections 2,3. The end edge portions 6,7 of panel A are linear and are provided with relatively thin marginal flanges 6,7, respectively, for purposes presently appearing.

As will be developed more fully hereinbelow, in actual usage side sections 2,3 are intended, under suitably applied force, to be directed toward each other into substantially mutual planar parallel relationship and, hence, perpendicular planar relationship to central section 1, as shown in full lines in FIG. 2. As so presented, panel A assumes a three-sided form for developing the walls for a recess of the character designated R, such as for receiving a bathtub 8, but it being obvious that panel A is suitable for any type of three-sided alcove. However, for purposes of description only, bathtub recess R will be discussed.

The wall support structure is constituted of conventional studding 9 comprised of a plurality of vertically presented studs 9' formed on desirable centers and arranged for appropriately supporting a bathtub surround. At their upper ends, studs 9' may support a top panel I0 with or without intervening horizontals.

In construction, with recess R being thus defined above bathtub 8 by the extended portions of studs 9', suitable pressure,is applied by manually exerted force of a workman against the normally outward or rearward faces of side sections 2,3 to direct same toward each other with bending through the zones of flexure 2,3' thereby increasing the angle of the arcs thereof, so that panel A may then be inserted into said recess R with central section 1 being presented against the transversely extended bank of studs 9. As thus inserted, side sections 2,3 are thus confined within the lateral banks of studs 9' so that upon release of pressure thereagainst the same, through the inherent bias within zones 2',3' will abut firmly against the adjacent studs 9. Accordingly, the appropriate bending of side sections 2,3 to permit of insertion within recess R will cause a stress to be developed within the zones of flexure 2',3' by reason of the inherent bias thereof into the normal relatively shallower arc. Such stress thus serves as a positive force for maintaining panel A in mounted position, prejudicing said side sections 2,3 against the adjacent studs to form a snug stable joint therewith, and concomitantly conducing to stability of positionment of central section 1. The advantages developed by this novel construction should be apparent since there is obviated the need for pre-forming a three sided structure for fitting a recess of predetermined dimensions since any discrepancy in the recess structure will be readily compensated by the bendability of side sections 2,3. Furthermore, through the tight joint developed by reason of stressing within the zones of flexure 2',3' the problems of securing panel A to studding 9, or to wall boards if such might be used, is markedly reduced.

Panel A, after positioning within recess R, is easily secured, as by utilization of nails or the like being driven through marginal flanges 6,7' into the adjacent stud. Vertical trim strips 11 may be applied upon the forward faces of the studs 9 to which marginal flanges 6',7 are secured for decorative purposes. Also, for completing the appearance of the finished recess, a top member 12, as molded from fiberglas or the like, and of a compatible color, may be presented for resting disposition upon the now three-part top edge 4. As may be best seen in FIG. 4, top member 12 is provided with an upstanding front flange l3 and a base wall 14 which may be transversely curved to be downwardly concave presenting an attractive rounded overhead.

Central section 1 and side sections 2,3 are molded to provide embossed or projecting portions for rigidifying purposes. Central section 1 in its lower portion is provided with a transversely extending projection 15 which, centrally, may contain a soap dish simulative depression 16. Similarly each side section 2,3 contains a projection or embossing 17,18, respectively, which may be located slightly upwardly of the central zone thereof. Furthermore, central section 1 and side sections 2,3 are slightly recessed or depressed, as at l9,20,2l,22, respectively, so that the same are not surfacewise in continuity with zones of flexure 2',3'. By means of projections 15, 17, 18, together with the slightly depressed portions of said central section 1 and side sections 2,3 the integrity of the zones of flexure 2',3 is maintained while endowing said component sections with an enhanced rigidity, conducing to a discreteness of said sections which markedly controls the relative bendability of said sections to conform to the recess or alcove to be treated.

In view of the foregoing, it is indeed apparent that panels A may be economically produced in high volume and that as molded the same may be readily stacked in nested manner for compact storage and/or transportation. In actual use, the same may be most rapidly mounted by an individual workman without necessity of complex tools or the like, and with but minimum standard fasteners. As indicated above, the unique construction of panel A inherently conduces to its reliability in operative condition and being capable of compensating for any of the normal errors in plumbness or dimensions.

Having described my invention what I claimand desire to obtain by Letters Patent is:

1. For use with a three-sided alcove having a back wall and adjoining side walls, the planes of the latter being perpendicular to the plane of the back wall, a finishing wall panel for disposition within said alcove comprising a unitary panel integrally molded of durable material having limited flexibility, said panel having a forward or outer face and a rearward face for presentation against said alcove walls, said panel further having a central portion and a pair of side portions, said side portions being normally biased into non-planar aligned relationship with said central portion extending forwardly therefrom with the planes of said side portions being at an angle of less than 180 and more than to said central portion, the zones between said central portion and said side portions being forwardly concave, said zones defining zones of flexure whereby said side portions may be urged into substantially mutually planar parallel relationship against their normal bias so that when the panel is placed within the alcove the side portions will be urged through their normal bias rearwardly into snug surface abutment against the side walls of said alcove for stabilizing and maintaining said panel in covering relationship therein with said central portion presented against said alcove back wall. 

1. For use with a three-sided alcove having a back wall and adjoining side walls, the planes of the latter being perpendicular to the plane of the back wall, a finishing wall panel for disposition within said alcove comprising a unitary panel integrally molded of durable material having limited flexibility, said panel having a forward or outer face and a rearward face for presentation against said alcove walls, said panel further having a central portion and a pair of side portions, said side portions being normally biased into nonplanar aligned relationship with said central portion extending forwardly therefrom with the planes of said side portions being at an angle of less than 180* and more than 90* to said central portion, the zones between said central portion and said side portions being forwardly concave, said zones defining zones of flexure whereby said side portions may be urged into substantially mutually planar parallel relationship against their normal bias so that when the panel is placed within the alcove the side portions will be urged through their normal bias rearwardly into snug surface abutment against the side walls of said alcove for stabilizing and maintaining said panel in covering relationship therein with said central portion presented against said alcove back wall. 